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What a delicious concept: chocolate tourism. Gourmands, vacationers and locals choose Sonoma, San Francisco and Los Angeles as backdrops while visiting chocolate shops. Participants learn about secret recipes and the art of unique designs before they come to the most anticipated part of the tour--tasting mouthwatering confections like butter creams, truffles and dark chocolate-dipped apricots.

Wine Country Chocolates in Sonoma Valley

Wine Country Chocolates in Sonoma Valley is known for its wine-infused truffles and its warm atmosphere. The owners, mother-daughter team Betty and Caroline Kelly, formed their company in 2000. Among their unique handmade creations are the rich Cabernet Sauvignon truffle and the Zinfandel truffle. They offer two tasting bars, free of charge. Tours are welcome; call in advance (children are also welcome). One tasting bar is located at The Jack London Village, the other at The Plaza Tasting Room. They’re open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wine Country Chocolates The Jack London Village 14301 Arnold Dr. Glen Ellen, CA 95442 707-996-1010 winecountrychocolates.com The Plaza Tasting Room 414 First Street E. Sonoma, CA 95476 707-996-1010 winecountrychocolates.com

San Francisco Chocolate Tours

The San Francisco Gourmet Chocolate Tour, offered by Gourmet Walks, is a three-hour walking tour in the Union Square/waterfront area. As you take in the sights, you’ll learn about the history, methods and production of creating chocolate, ending with two delicious samples from each store. Two highlights are a chocolatier who creates champagne truffles (Oprah’s favorite) and a newsstand that offers 225 chocolate bars from 15 countries. Tours occur Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. As of March 2010, tickets are $51 per person, and advance purchase is necessary. Gourmetwalks.com says there’s plenty of time to sit, sip and sample. Guests are advised to eat chocolate on an empty stomach and bring a bottle of water along. Coffee, tea and alcohol ruin the palette. After the tour, guests receive a Gourmet Walks Chocolate Lover Card that offers discounts to local chocolate boutiques. Andrea Nadel, Owner & Tour Operator 415-312-1119 gourmetwalks.com

Compartes Chocolatier in Los Angeles

Compartes Chocolatier in Los Angeles has been adored by movie stars and celebrities since the 1950s. The founder, Mrs. Comparte, brought from Europe techniques and recipes that continue to delight chocolate connoisseurs. Today, family member and chocolatier Jonathan Grahm creates exotic chocolates using unique ingredients from around the world. Private tours are available on request; contact the company. For a quick online tour, see the video \"Go Inside a Chocolate Factory\" on oprah.com. Compartes is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Compartes Chocolatier Brentwood Boutique?Chocolate Lounge ? 912 South Barrington Ave. ? Los Angeles, CA 90049 ? 310-826-3380 ? compartes.com

Annual Chocolate Events

Over 70 chocolatiers and shops participate in the annual San Francisco International Chocolate Salon. There are chef demonstrations, chocolate authors, games, spa and beauty experts and wine and beverage vendors. And Chocolate Television and TasteTV catch it all on film. Check sfchocolatesalon.com for details. There’s also the annual Special Kids Foundation Annual Wine & Chocolate Festival at the Hanoum Estate in Oakley. Special Kids Foundation, supporting kids and families, is a nonprofit that helps families with special needs children, aiming to help the entire family with education and awareness. Activities include wine tasting, raffles, live music and a silent auction. For more information go to sfchocolatesalon.com.

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About the Author

Michelle Bermas has been a freelance writer since 1994. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including the "Boston Globe Sunday Magazine," "2008 Writer's Market," "The Social Cause Diet" anthology, "South Shore Living Magazine," "Hudson Valley Life," "The Boston Globe," "The Patriot Ledger Newspaper" and more. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Pace University, New York.